BVU, Vodec Establish Strategic Partnership
Through a collaboration with Buena Vista University, Vodec offers educational benefits to its employees and their eligible family members.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and Vodec have aligned as Strategic Partners, providing new opportunities to transform the communities both entities serve.
This partnership allows for employees of Vodec, as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost per credit hour while enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost of education for students enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus.
“I think this will be a great opportunity for our employees and their families. Higher education costs can be a barrier and having a partnership that offers such a valuable benefit, like tuition discounts, it helps reduce that hesitation and removes some of those obstacles,” says Stephanie Marsh Human Resource Manager at Vodec. “Sometimes people want to grow or make a change but don’t know where to start. This strategic partnership provides that jumping-off point, and at a potentially reduced cost. It’s a win-win.
Vodec is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with additional locations in Omaha, Neb, and Urbandale, Iowa. The organization provides day habilitation, community integration, work experience, and residential services for individuals ages 13 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“What influenced my decision to attend BVU was their willingness to accommodate my schedule while ensuring I earned the appropriate credits toward my degree goals. They worked closely with my current two-year college to confirm that I was taking the right classes aligned with my major. Pursuing higher education has always been a goal of mine, but as an older student balancing full-time work and family responsibilities, it was important to find a school that is both flexible and supportive,” says Katey Mikels, Vodec employee and BVU student. “Additionally, partnering with my employer, VODEC, has been a positive experience, as it supports not only my educational pursuits but also those of my colleagues.”
BVU has long enjoyed strong educational ties in and around Council Bluffs, home to Iowa Western Community College, a campus that has collaborated with BVU for decades. Students enrolled in a program through Iowa Western can seamlessly transfer their credits toward their bachelor’s degree at BVU. Students receive personalized support including admissions and enrollment counseling and academic advising, right in Council Bluffs through BVU’s office on the Iowa Western Community College campus.
“Buena Vista University is thrilled to join forces with Vodec through our Strategic Partnerships initiative,” says Laura Todd, BVU’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. “This collaboration allows us to offer tuition discounts to Vodec’s full-time employees and their eligible family members, helping make higher education more accessible and affordable. The partnership reflects BVU’s commitment to supporting lifelong learning and career advancement.”
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.